Kellogg Institute to present Brazilian Carnaval

Vibrant Brazilian dance rhythms will transport revelers from South Bend to the streets of Rio de Janeiro during the 11th annual celebration of Brazilian Carnaval on Friday (Feb. 13) from 8 p.m. to midnight in the University of Notre Dame’s South Dining Hall.The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

“Carnaval is incredibly energizing,”says Notre Dame senior Julia Sendor, president of the Portuguese Language Club, who like many students and community members attends the event every year.“You feel like you are in a samba club in tropical Brazil!”

The Brazilian celebration of Mardi Gras, Carnaval will feature professional Brazilian dancers performing and teaching dance steps to the authentic axe and samba music of Chicago Samba. Directed by Moacyr Marchini, Chicago Samba features Brazilian musicians who have performed together for almost 20 years.

This year, for the first time, revelers are encouraged to come in costume and take part in a costume contestopen to groups of two or more participantsand a"bloco"parade of costumed dancers.

The International Students Organization at Indiana University South Bend, which is co-sponsoring the event this year, will follow up the festivities with a screening of the BBC documentary"Brasil, Brasil: Samba to Bossa Nova"on Feb. 2 (Friday) at 6 p.m. in Wiekamp Building, Room DW1001, on the IUSB campus.

Carnaval is sponsored by Notre Dame’s Kellogg Institute for International Studies, which brings together scholars, students and policymakers to study important international problems facing humanity.

Co-sponsors include Notre Dame’s Latin American Studies Program, Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, Institute for Latino Studies, Brazil Club,Portuguese Language Club, OrganizaciÛn Latino Americana (OLA), Office of International Student Services and Activities, and NDtv; the International Students Organization at Indiana University South Bend; WVPE Radio, Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center, and AudioBahn Productions.